This study evaluates the impact of climate variability on the population dynamics and infestation levels of thrips ( Thrips palmi and Scirtothrips dorsalis ) in groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea ) across five diverse Indian agro-climatic zones (ACZs) from 2011 to 2020. Our findings identify Jalgaon, Kadiri, and Dharwad as hotspots for thrips, while higher rainfall in Junagadh and Virudhachalam consistently suppressed populations. Analysis of climatic deviations revealed that all significant associations with thrips dynamics were positive, particularly considering rising maximum temperatures. Future projections under RCP 2.6 and 6.0 scenarios for 2050 and 2080 at Junagadh predict a significant increase in thrips infestation. These results underscore the need for adoption of region-specific integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including adjusted sowing windows and the adoption of resistant cultivars to mitigate climate-induced pest risks in groundnut production.
Prabhakar et al. (Fri,) studied this question.